March, 13: It is now many weeks since air-commodore Sir Charles Kingsford Smith crossed the Tasman Sea in his equally well-known monoplane, the Southern Cross, but the fact that interest in his achievements has not waned to any extent was shown by the enthusiastic reception which he and his crew received when they arrived at the Taieri aerodrome yesterday morning from Invercargill.
Fully 7000 people had assembled at the aerodrome by 10 o'clock, the scheduled time of arrival, and their numbers were increased steadily as a seemingly endless procession of motor cars, buses and bicycles bearing newcomers continued to arrive at the the grounds until well on in the afternoon, when about 10,000 persons were present.
A thrill of expectancy passed through the crowd as the famous plane, her sides gleaming like silver in the bright sunshine, came more distinctly into view.
As his wheels touched the ground thousands of spectators rushed forward, and the machine had no sooner came to a standstill than it was surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd eager for a first glimpse of the famous aviator.
When Sir Charles and his crew stepped from the cabin of the Southern Cross they were escorted to a reception platform, where they were accorded a warm welcome.
Immediately after the speeches had been concluded Sir Charles returned to the Southern Cross and prepared for the day's programme of passenger flights.
The booking tent was eagerly besieged by those anxious to fly with Sir Charles, and the first flight was soon under way.
A member of the Daily Times reporting staff was taken up in the Southern Cross, on which trip there were 15 passengers, including a number of children.
It was evidently the first time most of them had been in the air, and although certain signs of nervousness might well have been expected there was no emotion of that kind visible, due, no doubt, to the fact that such a capable and well-known aviator as Sir Charles Kingsford Smith was at the controls.